Best Attractions in Dubai

Burj Al Arab

Temporary Closed

Burj Al Arab is the world's most iconic luxury hotel, the sail-shaped 321-metre Jumeirah landmark on its own artificial island 280m off Jumeirah Beach – an architectural symbol that catapulted Dubai onto the global luxury map when it opened in 1999. The all-suite property features 198 duplex suites, the helipad-perched Skyview Bar, the underwater Al Mahara restaurant, the floating Al Muntaha sky restaurant and over 1,000 sqm of 24-carat gold leaf throughout its interiors.Quick facts:Status temporarily closed · 321m tall · 198 duplex suites · Reopens late 2027Did you know?On 15 April 2026 Jumeirah announced an 18-month phased restoration programme led by French interior architect Tristan Auer (of Hôtel de Crillon fame) – the first major refurbishment since the hotel opened in 1999. The hotel is expected to reopen around October 2027.Best time to visit:The hotel is currently closed for restoration until approximately October 2027. The exterior remains visible from Sunset Beach and Souk Madinat Jumeirah for photography.Where to eat nearby:Jumeirah's other resort properties (Al Naseem, Al Qasr, Marsa Al Arab) along the same private beach offer the closest fine dining alternatives during the closure period.Tip:For Burj Al Arab views during the closure, head to Sunset Beach (Umm Suqeim Beach) for the iconic frontal view or to Souk Madinat Jumeirah's central plaza for the famous framed shot.

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Culture & Heritage

Madinat Jumeirah

Madinat Jumeirah is Dubai's most spectacular Arabian-themed resort complex, a 40-hectare recreation of an old Arabian town with 4 km of waterways, 75+ shops at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 50+ restaurants, three luxury hotels (Al Qasr, Mina A'Salam, Jumeirah Al Naseem) and the Madinat Theatre. The complex centres on the dramatic Burj Al Arab views from its waterfront promenades, with traditional wooden abras taxiing guests between the hotels and souk along the artificial canals. Includes the iconic TODA Theatre of Digital Art, multiple beaches and the Talise Spa.Quick facts:Duration 3–4 hours · 4 km waterways · Burj Al Arab views · Free souk accessDid you know?Madinat Jumeirah's traditional wooden abras navigate 4 km of artificially-created saltwater canals – making it the largest themed resort waterway system in the Middle East. The architecture replicates the wind-tower style of Al Fahidi but on a luxury resort scale.Best time to visit:Late afternoons (4–7 PM) for golden-hour Burj Al Arab photos from the waterfront; evenings during winter months bring atmospheric Christmas markets and Ramadan tents.Where to eat nearby:50+ restaurants on-site including Pierchic (over-water seafood), Folly by Nick & Scott (modern European), Pai Thai (waterfront Thai) and Shimmers (beachfront Greek).Tip:Souk Madinat Jumeirah and abra rides are accessible to non-hotel guests – walk in for free and pay AED 100 for an abra tour or visit the rooftop Bahri Bar for the best Burj Al Arab views with cocktails. Prices may vary – check official website.

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Ain Dubai

Temporary Closed

At 250 metres, Ain Dubai is the world's tallest and largest observation wheel, rising from Bluewaters Island just off the JBR coastline. A single 38-minute rotation carries guests 82 metres higher than the previous record holder, delivering 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina and the full city skyline from 48 fully air-conditioned cabins.Quick facts:Duration 38 minutes per rotation · Height 250 m · 48 cabins · 1,750 passenger capacityDid you know?Ain Dubai is 82 metres taller than the Las Vegas High Roller, which it dethroned as the world's tallest observation wheel when it opened in 2021.Best time to visit:Sunset sessions offer the most dramatic views of the city skyline transitioning from golden hour to illuminated night.Where to eat nearby:Bluewaters Island itself hosts dozens of waterfront restaurants including Nikki Beach, Cove Beach and Luigia; The Beach at JBR is a short walk away across the footbridge.Tip:Same-day Ain Dubai tickets can validate up to 4 hours of parking at Bluewaters Island. Prices may vary – check official website.

Burj Khalifa

Rising 828 metres above Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building and the undisputed symbol of modern Dubai. Visitors ascend at record speed to the At The Top observation decks on Levels 124, 125 and 148, where floor-to-ceiling glass offers panoramic views across the city, the Arabian Gulf and the desert beyond.Quick facts:Duration 1.5 hours · Height 828 m · 163 floors · Access via Dubai MallDid you know?The Burj Khalifa holds seven world records including the tallest building, the highest occupied floor and the longest-distance elevator.Best time to visit:Book a slot 120 minutes before sunset to catch the city in daylight, dusk and city lights all on one ticket.Where to eat nearby:At.mosphere on Level 122 is the world's highest restaurant; for something more casual, The Dubai Mall's dining hall offers hundreds of options a short walk away.Tip:Book online days in advance – prime sunset slots sell out fast. Prices may vary – check official website.

Beaches & Waterfronts

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina Walk is a 7 km pedestrian promenade that winds around the man-made Dubai Marina canal, flanked by 60+ restaurants, cafés, shops and entertainment venues under the towering Marina skyscrapers. Often ranked among the most photogenic spots in Dubai, it offers sunset yacht views, live street performers, water taxi access, a lively weekend market atmosphere and direct connections to The Beach at JBR and Bluewaters Island.Quick facts:Free entry · 7 km promenade · 60+ restaurants · Waterside diningDid you know?Dubai Marina is the world's largest man-made marina – the walk takes you around a completely artificial waterway lined with 200+ skyscrapers built in just over a decade.Best time to visit:Late afternoon into evening – the Marina lights up beautifully after sunset, and it's when most restaurants and performers are at their peak.Where to eat nearby:The walk itself features dozens of restaurants spanning every cuisine – from casual cafés like Starbucks and Carluccio's to upscale dining at Pier 7, The Scene and Atelier M.Tip:Take an evening abra or yacht tour directly from the Marina Walk for a unique perspective on Dubai's most iconic skyline.

Dubai Garden Glow

Opens today at 4pm

Dubai Garden Glow is a unique seasonal night-time park inside Zabeel Park featuring the world's largest themed light park and several other illuminated themed zones. Open only during the cooler October–May season, it spans the Glow Park (millions of LEDs across illuminated installations), Dinosaur Park (life-size animatronic dinosaurs), Magic Park (3D shows) and Art Park (recycled glass-bottle art) – all designed for evening visits when the LED displays come alive.Quick facts:Duration 2–3 hours · Seasonal Oct–May · Evening only · Inside Zabeel ParkDid you know?Dubai Garden Glow holds the Guinness World Record for the largest themed light park in the world – with millions of energy-efficient LED bulbs creating illuminated sculptures across multiple themed zones.Best time to visit:After sunset (the park opens at 4 PM but is best after dark); weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.Where to eat nearby:Food kiosks and a few sit-down restaurants operate inside the park; Zabeel Park itself has additional cafés.Tip:Garden Glow is closed June–September. The single ticket includes access to all four parks – budget at least 2 hours to see them all. Prices may vary – check official website.

Theme & Water Parks

Global Village

Closed

Global Village is Dubai's largest seasonal multicultural festival park, featuring 30+ pavilions representing more than 90 countries from across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Each pavilion offers authentic shopping, street food, cultural performances and crafts, alongside a massive carnival with 200+ rides, live stage shows, fireworks and dining experiences spread across an enormous outdoor venue in Dubailand.Quick facts:Duration 4–6 hours · 30+ pavilions · 200+ carnival rides · Seasonal Oct–MayDid you know?Global Village welcomed over 10.5 million visitors during its record-breaking Season 29, making it one of the most visited family destinations in the entire region.Best time to visit:Weekday evenings (Sun–Wed) for fewer crowds; Tuesdays are reserved for ladies and families only. The season typically runs mid-October to early May.Where to eat nearby:The experience is the food – over 250 dining options spread across pavilions and food districts including Fiesta Street and Dessert District offer authentic cuisines from every represented country.Tip:Wear comfortable shoes – the park is enormous and you'll easily walk 5+ km in a single visit. Prices may vary – check official website.

Beaches & Waterfronts

Al Mamzar Beach Park

Opens today at 8am

Al Mamzar Beach Park is Dubai's largest beach park, occupying a scenic peninsula on the northeastern border with Sharjah. Spread across 106 hectares, it features five pristine public beaches (Nouras, Murjan, Danah, Flamingo and Sadaf), three swimming pools, 15 rentable beach chalets, lush gardens with 1,000+ palm trees, BBQ areas, a skate park, basketball courts and children's play zones. It's the go-to destination for local families seeking a proper beach park day out.Quick facts:Duration full day · 5 beaches · Small entry fee · BBQ facilitiesDid you know?Al Mamzar Beach Park features the only inland-lake beach in Dubai – Sadaf Beach, located on the eastern side of the peninsula facing Sharjah, where visitors can swim in calm waters protected from ocean waves.Best time to visit:Mornings are quietest; Mondays and Wednesdays are ladies-and-children-only days (no males over 6 allowed).Where to eat nearby:The park has food kiosks and cafés near each beach; you can also bring your own food for BBQ at one of the 28 designated barbecue spots.Tip:Rent one of the 15 air-conditioned beach chalets with private BBQ for a premium family day out – they book up months in advance during peak season. Prices may vary – check official website.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Dubai Butterfly Garden is the largest covered butterfly garden in the world, a year-round attraction adjacent to Dubai Miracle Garden in Al Barsha South. Spread across nine climate-controlled domes, it houses over 15,000 butterflies from 50+ species flying freely around visitors, alongside an Insect Museum, Education Museum, butterfly hatching displays and beautifully landscaped gardens with tropical plants from around the world.Quick facts:Duration 1.5–2 hours · 15,000 butterflies · 9 domes · Year-roundDid you know?Unlike the seasonal Dubai Miracle Garden next door, Dubai Butterfly Garden operates year-round – the climate-controlled domes maintain perfect butterfly conditions even during the summer heat.Best time to visit:Mid-morning when the butterflies are most active in the warm domes; weekday visits are quietest.Where to eat nearby:A small café operates inside the garden; the adjacent Dubai Miracle Garden has 30+ dining options during its October–May season.Tip:Wear bright colours and stand still – butterflies are attracted to bright colours and may land on you for incredible photos. Prices may vary – check official website.

Theme & Water Parks

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is the largest waterpark in the world, holding the Guinness World Record for the most waterslides in a single park. Spread across 22.5 hectares on the Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, it features 105+ record-breaking slides and attractions including the world's tallest waterslide, the iconic Leap of Faith through a shark-filled lagoon, plus a 700-metre private beach.Quick facts:Duration full day · 105+ slides · Splashers Lagoon for kids · Private beach includedDid you know?Aquaventure holds the Guinness World Record for most waterslides in a single waterpark – with the recent additions of Trident Tower and Splashers Lagoon, it became the world's largest aquatic theme park.Best time to visit:Cooler months (October to April) are ideal – arrive at opening (10:00 AM) for the shortest queues at popular slides like Leap of Faith and Aquaconda.Where to eat nearby:The park has 15+ on-site dining outlets ranging from quick bites to full restaurants; Atlantis The Palm itself hosts award-winning restaurants like Hakkasan, Nobu and Bread Street Kitchen.Tip:Combo tickets including The Lost Chambers Aquarium offer the best value for a full day at Atlantis – book online in advance for the lowest prices. Prices may vary – check official website.

Boats & Yachts

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

Opens today at 5:15pm

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride is a traditional wooden abra experience on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake at the foot of Dubai Mall, offering the most spectacular close-up view of The Dubai Fountain performance from the water. The 30-minute ride operates every 30 minutes during the evening fountain shows (7:15 PM to 10:45 PM), with boats strategically positioned to get within metres of the fountain jets as they shoot 150m into the air. Each abra accommodates 20+ passengers with covered seating and panoramic viewing.Quick facts:Duration 30 minutes · Evening only · Fountain close-up · 7:15 – 10:45 PMDid you know?Dubai Fountain Lake Ride boats are timed to pause directly in front of the fountain during show performances – giving passengers a 360-degree water-level view of the 150m-high jets that's impossible from the Dubai Mall promenade.Best time to visit:Evening shows between 7:15 PM and 10:45 PM – timings align with The Dubai Fountain show schedule; the 8:00 PM ride aligns with the most iconic fountain show.Where to eat nearby:Dubai Mall has 200+ restaurants within walking distance; Burj Plaza and Souk Al Bahar offer fountain-view dining options.Tip:Book tickets online in advance during peak evening hours; the boats queue near the Dubai Mall waterfront. Combine with a Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket for the ultimate Downtown Dubai evening. Prices may vary – check official website.

Beaches & Waterfronts

Bluewaters Island

Bluewaters is a vibrant waterfront lifestyle destination on the Bluewaters Island off JBR, more of an open-air shopping and dining village than a traditional mall. Developed by Meraas (now operated by Dubai Retail), it houses 80+ retail outlets, 20+ restaurants and cafés with direct sea access, Madame Tussauds and Illusion City attractions, plus spectacular views of Ain Dubai – the world's largest observation wheel – looming directly above the promenade.Quick facts:Free entry · 80+ stores · Ain Dubai views · Waterfront diningDid you know?Bluewaters Island was built as a purpose-designed lifestyle island connected to JBR by a dedicated pedestrian bridge – the entire island covers 210,000 sqm and was constructed as a destination for Ain Dubai, its most iconic feature.Best time to visit:Late afternoons through evening for the best waterfront atmosphere and Ain Dubai views after dark.Where to eat nearby:Over 20 restaurants and cafés along the waterfront including Cove Beach, Nikki Beach, Luigia and numerous international dining concepts.Tip:Access Bluewaters via the pedestrian bridge from The Beach at JBR for a free scenic walk – parking on the island itself fills up quickly on weekends.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Closed

Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest natural flower garden, a 72,000 sqm seasonal wonderland in Al Barsha South displaying over 150 million flowers in elaborate sculptures, themed zones and Guinness World Record installations. Open only during the cooler October–May season, the garden features the record-holding Emirates A380 floral aircraft, an 18-metre Mickey Mouse topiary, the Floating Lady, heart-shaped passages, floral castles, umbrella tunnels and dozens of fresh new themes each year.Quick facts:Duration 3–4 hours · Seasonal Oct–May · 150 million flowers · Closed in summerDid you know?Dubai Miracle Garden holds multiple Guinness World Records – including the largest vertical garden, the world's largest topiary structure (Mickey Mouse) and the largest floral installation (Emirates A380).Best time to visit:Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and the freshest blooms; late evenings on weekends for the magical illuminations until 11 PM.Where to eat nearby:The garden has 30+ food and beverage outlets inside including cafés, juice stalls and international restaurants – outside food is not permitted.Tip:Combine Miracle Garden with the adjacent Dubai Butterfly Garden using a combo ticket for substantial savings. The garden is closed June–September. Prices may vary – check official website.

Flights & Sky Rides

Hot Air Balloon Dubai

Closed

Hot Air Balloon Dubai is a sunrise desert experience departing from the Margham desert 45 minutes from Dubai, offering a 60-minute flight up to 4,000 feet above the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with panoramic views of the golden dunes, Hajar Mountains and indigenous Arabian wildlife including oryx, gazelles and camels. Operated primarily by Hero Balloon Flights (part of the Platinum Heritage family) and Balloon Adventures Emirates, experiences include hotel pickup in vintage Land Rovers, pre-flight briefing, the balloon flight, falcon show mid-flight (select operators), and post-flight gourmet breakfast at a traditional Bedouin camp.Quick facts:Duration 4–5 hours total · 60-min flight · 4,000 ft · Sunrise onlyDid you know?Hero Balloon Flights' sunrise falcon show is the only in-flight falconry experience in the world – a trained falcon is released from the balloon at 3,000 feet and performs aerial displays around passengers before returning to its handler. Featured in major international travel documentaries.Best time to visit:Cooler months (September–May) only – flights are suspended during summer heat. Pickup is around 4:00 AM for sunrise launch; experience completes by 10 AM.Where to eat nearby:Gourmet desert breakfast included at the Bedouin camp (eggs cooked to order, fresh pastries, fruit, coffee); no dining options before the pre-dawn pickup.Tip:Book 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season (November–February); flights are weather-dependent and can be postponed due to winds. Prices may vary – check official website.

Family Fun

Trampo Extreme Palm Jumeirah

Trampo Extreme is the largest indoor trampoline park on Palm Jumeirah, a 3,500 sqm venue at Nakheel Mall featuring 100+ connected trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, battle beams, wall-running zones, a ninja course, a dedicated toddlers' zone for ages 2–6, and a glow-in-the-dark "Late Night Bounce" session with black lights and music on weekend evenings.Quick facts:Duration 1–2 hours · 100+ trampolines · Glow sessions · Inside Nakheel MallDid you know?Trampo Extreme's weekend "Late Night Bounce" sessions transform the venue with UV lights and music – creating a glow-in-the-dark trampoline experience unique to the Palm Jumeirah location.Best time to visit:Weekday afternoons for the smallest crowds; Saturday mornings have dedicated toddler sessions with safer mid-age crowds.Where to eat nearby:Nakheel Mall has dozens of restaurants including a busy food court plus premium dining options at the adjacent Palm Tower.Tip:Grip socks are mandatory (available at reception) – book tickets online for a small discount and guaranteed entry during weekend peak hours. Prices may vary – check official website.

Sports Activities

Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Dubai International Cricket Stadium is the UAE's flagship cricket venue, a 25,000-capacity Sports City stadium famous for hosting the ICC T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, IPL, Pakistan Super League and the ILT20 Emirates league. The world's first cricket stadium with a "Ring of Fire" – 350 LED floodlights mounted on the roof's inner ring – it offers crystal-clear day-night cricket without traditional floodlight pylons. Hosts year-round international and league fixtures.Quick facts:25,000 capacity · Ring of Fire lighting · ICC events · Year-round fixturesDid you know?Dubai International Cricket Stadium was the first stadium in the world to use the "Ring of Fire" lighting system – 350 LED floodlights integrated directly into the roof structure, eliminating the need for traditional floodlight towers and removing shadow lines from the playing surface.Best time to visit:Major international tournaments (Asia Cup, ICC events, T20 World Cup) and the December–February ILT20 league offer the best match atmospheres.Where to eat nearby:On-site concession stands and grand lounges; the surrounding Dubai Sports City has restaurants at the Els Club and the adjacent Dubai International Stadium hospitality areas.Tip:Arrive at least 90 minutes before match start – parking fills up quickly and bag checks at multiple checkpoints take significant time. The Grand Lounge tickets offer air-conditioned seating directly behind the players. Prices may vary – check official website.

Culture & Heritage

The Courtyard - Al Quoz

Opens today at 8am

The Courtyard Art & Community Centre is a pioneering cultural hub in Dubai's Al Quoz, founded by architect Dariush Zandi in 1998. Built from a vision of transforming an industrial area into a creative destination, the complex was constructed using reclaimed materials collected from across the UAE over 25 years. Comprising ten low-rise buildings, it became one of Dubai's earliest creative sanctuaries, predating Al Quoz's emergence as the city's contemporary art district. Designed around shaded courtyards and a central fountain, the Centre brings together the Total Arts gallery, a 70-seat theatre, design studios, concept stores, and a bistro, creating a vibrant, freely accessible space where artists, culture, and community come together.Quick facts:10 buildings · 70-seat theatre · free entry · art gallery & concept stores · unique cafesDid you know?The Courtyard was constructed using salvaged materials including discarded timber ship hulls from Al Jaddaf's shipbuilding district, bricks from a Sharjah bakery, and wrought-iron railings from old Deira houses.Best time to visit:Weekday mornings or early afternoons, when the courtyards are quietest and most conducive to a relaxed wander through the galleries and shops.Where to eat nearby:An on-site bistro and a coffee and juice bar serve light meals and drinks within the complex itself.Tip:Entry to the grounds and galleries is free, though some events or performances at the on-site theatre may require separate tickets. Prices may vary – check official website.

Shopping & Souks

Textile Souk (Old Souk)

The Bur Dubai Textile Souk (Old Souq Bur Dubai) is one of Dubai's most atmospheric historic markets, a covered traditional souk along the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek packed with 100+ shops selling fabrics, pashminas, kaftans, kandoras, abayas, Indian saris, accessories and souvenirs. Located right next to the Bur Dubai Abra Station with views across to Deira, it's the destination for traditional Middle Eastern textiles and inexpensive souvenirs at heavily negotiated prices.Quick facts:Duration 1 hour · 100+ shops · Free entry · Bargaining expectedDid you know?The Bur Dubai Textile Souk is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Dubai – the merchants and many of the original wooden walkways date back to the early 20th century when Bur Dubai was the city's commercial heart.Best time to visit:Morning hours (9 AM – 1 PM) are quietest; afternoons and evenings bring tour groups and busier merchant calls.Where to eat nearby:The surrounding Bur Dubai area has dozens of authentic Indian, Pakistani and Iranian restaurants; the Arabian Tea House in nearby Al Fahidi is famous for traditional Emirati food.Tip:Combine the souk with a 1 AED traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek to the Spice and Gold Souks in Deira – this is the most authentic Old Dubai cultural circuit.

Museums

Illusion City

Illusion City is an immersive museum of wonderment at The Wharf Mall on Bluewaters Island, curating a collection of optical, auditory and tactile illusions, holograms, 3D effects and interactive exhibits from around the world. Visitors can walk on ceilings, cross the famous Vortex Tunnel, experience magic tricks and test the limits of their own perception, guided by staff "photo geniuses" who help capture the best shots.Quick facts:Duration 1–1.5 hours · On Bluewaters · Free parking · Indoor venueDid you know?Illusion City works with staff called "Photo Geniuses" whose full-time job is to help visitors find the best angles and poses for each illusion – turning every visit into a professional photo shoot.Best time to visit:Weekday afternoons are quietest; plan 90 minutes and combine with Madame Tussauds next door for a full Bluewaters culture outing.Where to eat nearby:Bluewaters Island has dozens of restaurants including Cove Beach, Nikki Beach and Luigia; The Wharf Mall also has casual dining options.Tip:Free parking is validated for up to 3 hours – request validation at the front desk before or after your visit. Prices may vary – check official website.

Coca-Cola Arena

Coca-Cola Arena is the Middle East's largest indoor multi-purpose entertainment venue, a 17,000-capacity arena at City Walk hosting international concerts, comedy shows, live sports (basketball, boxing, MMA), award ceremonies and family entertainment. Opened in 2019 and operated by ASM Global, the arena features state-of-the-art acoustics, retractable seating, LED screens, 12 F&B outlets, VIP hospitality suites and integrated parking. Notable acts have included Maroon 5, Westlife, Dua Lipa, and various Arabic and Indian stars.Quick facts:Capacity 17,000 · Opened 2019 · Concerts + sports · City Walk locationDid you know?Coca-Cola Arena is the Middle East's largest indoor multi-purpose arena – with a retractable seating system that can be reconfigured from 7,000 for intimate concerts to 17,000 for major international events within 24 hours.Best time to visit:Event-based – check the official website calendar for current concerts, sports events and shows. Doors typically open 90 minutes before main events.Where to eat nearby:On-site 12 F&B outlets during events; City Walk surrounds the arena with dozens of restaurants and cafés before and after shows.Tip:Arrive 60+ minutes before major events – security screening and entry can take significant time. VIP and courtside tickets include complimentary drinks and priority entry. Prices may vary – check official website.

Shopping & Souks

Ibn Battuta Mall

Ibn Battuta Mall is Dubai's most uniquely themed shopping centre, a 1 km long mall in Jebel Ali with six themed courts inspired by the travels of legendary 14th-century explorer Ibn Battuta – Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Beyond its 270+ retail outlets and 50+ dining options, it features stunning architectural recreations including a full-size replica Chinese junk, Persian dome, Mughal palace and Andalusian fountain.Quick facts:Duration 3–4 hours · 270+ stores · 6 themed courts · 1 km longDid you know?Each of Ibn Battuta Mall's six courts is decorated to historically accurate detail – including a full-size replica Chinese junk in China Court, an Andalusian fountain, and a Mughal palace dome with hand-painted ceiling.Best time to visit:Weekday afternoons are quietest; allow extra time just to enjoy the architecture before shopping.Where to eat nearby:Over 50 restaurants and cafés inside the mall – with cuisines themed to match each court (e.g. Chinese restaurants in China Court).Tip:Take Dubai Metro Red Line directly to Ibn Battuta Station – the mall has its own station with a covered walkway. The mall is so long it has multiple metro entrances at each end.

Last Exit AUH Bound

Last Exit AUH Bound is a one-of-a-kind outdoor food truck park developed by Meraas (now operated by Dubai Retail) on Sheikh Zayed Road, on the Abu Dhabi–bound side of the E11 highway near Interchange 11, directly opposite the DXB Bound branch. It's one of four Last Exit parks in Dubai, each with its own theme: while DXB Bound evokes retro 1950s America, AUH Bound narrates a post-apocalyptic story, a striking "Mad Max"–inspired wasteland of armoured monster trucks, abandoned vehicles, war rigs and graffiti-covered props; the other two are equestrian-themed Last Exit Al Qudra by Al Qudra Lakes and the ranch-inspired Last Exit Al Khawaneej. The park has around nine food trucks serving pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and Thai cuisine, plus coffee, donuts, crepes, Karak and ice-cold juices. Open around the clock, it's a favourite pit stop for road-trippers heading to Abu Dhabi and a destination in its own right for families, photographers and anyone after a quirky, cinematic dining experience.Quick facts: Free entry · ~9 food trucks · Open 24/7 · Outdoor dining · Family-friendly · Free parkingDid you know? During the construction of AUH Bound, the team went all-out with the theme of the famous film Mad Max – everywhere you look you'll see terrifying cars and monster trucks with countless spikes, huge tires, machine guns and wrecking balls. The post-apocalyptic-themed restrooms are so elaborately designed that visitors regularly call them an attraction in themselves.Best time to visit: Late afternoon through evening, and especially the cooler winter months (roughly October to March) – since the park is entirely outdoors, summer daytime visits can be very hot. Being open 24 hours, it's also a great late-night stop for travelers.Where to eat nearby: Everything is on-site – the cluster of food trucks covers burgers, pizza, sandwiches, Thai food, desserts, donuts, coffee and juices, so there's no need to look elsewhere before continuing your journey.Tip: Parking is free and plentiful. If you're driving from central Dubai, note the route uses Sheikh Zayed Road and may incur Salik (toll) charges, and the park sits about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. Visit on a weekday evening for cooler weather, smaller crowds and the best lighting for photos of the themed installations.

Culture & Heritage

Al Seef